Saitek X65
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I am looking at maybe purchasing one. pros/cons compared to a cougar?
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x65 pros:
- no need for mods
- price vs modded cougar
- less maintenance
- dual/split throttle
- more buttons
x65 cons:
- you might not be able to get it (discontinued ?)
- somewhat crappier software vs TM’s
- not f16 replica for diehard fans
That’s just my humble opinion, others might add if more I missed anything.
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I have both HOTAS.
Cougar was good in concept but sub-standard in execution and manufacturing.
x65 good outta the box, force sensing.
Newer saitek programming software not too bad.
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I guess that makes up my mind.
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I have both also.
65F throttle is not ergonomic. Lots of buttons but some are too close together. The toggle switches on the throttle are too easy to hit accidentally.
For best results you need to clamp or bolt both the stick and throttle to a desktop.
The twist grip rudder is a waist of time IMO. It’s almost impossible with a force sensing stick to twist for rudder without putting unwanted commands through the other axis. Only good enough for taxing. I bought rudder pedals.
The Cougar…. As Mowers comments.
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On the x65, yes button placement could be a little better but is usable and can be gotten used to.
Due to the force sensing, you really need to screw the controllers into desk like I did.
I have rudders and the stick twist can be disabled (though FBMS doesnt see the twist anyhow, but FSX will).
Pic below, yes its dusty, cleaned it afterwards.
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i was debating getting the 65, but the ebay auction was heating up and the 55 is more my speed i think, financially. it was an exercise in self control, for sure.
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Well, I have had the F22/Cougar/x52pro and now the x65f.
Only the x65 has the force sensing and I LOVE the force sensing.
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that was the attraction
maybe later
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How about the X55 as an alternative?
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not really the same ballpark, but thats what im doing based on cost and availability.
Mower: i hadnt even seen the F22 one before…never see it talked about. how was it? -
i hadnt even seen the F22 one before…never see it talked about. how was it?
100% plastic, light weight, a little floppy, gameport, had to velcro it down back in the day, circa 1998-2001. Hideous programming software.
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figured.
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I have both also.
65F throttle is not ergonomic. Lots of buttons but some are too close together.
The twist grip rudder is a waist of time IMO. I bought rudder pedals.
^^ spot on for all that.
Throttle is not ergonomic, it resembles the F18 throttle shape-wise, but I don’t see that one being ergonomic either.
Some hats are close together, but after completing the transition, there are no issues with pressing the wrong one, unless you have hippo fingers.
I don’t know how the twist rudder works, I’ve always used rudder pedals and wasn’t aware falcon doesn’t detect it.
I do not have the luxury to bolt it down (long story) so I’m using a profile that allows it to be used that way, and it can be done.For the Cougar (unmodded) vs X65, the answer is a no brainer (IMHO). For a fully modded cougar vs x65, it gets trickier, but not mentioning the price difference, I’d still pick the X65 for the split throttle and extra buttons/controls.
For the Warthog vs X65, I’d still pick the X65 for force sensing, price, and extra buttons/rotaries ON THE THROTTLE vs ON THE BASE.
Am I biased? Definitely, OTOH, we all are.
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i would be nice if a force sensing module, say a ring around the spring, were designed that could be installed and removed for any given situation.
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G’day Mower,
Where did you get the X65F Button assignment ,top left of you photo? -
How about the X55 as an alternative?
I visited Saitek’s website for the first time in months a few days ago, and the X55 looks REAL interesting, not for the buttons and whatnot, but for the fact that the joystick appears to move, which I much prefer. So do real Viper pilots. I’ve read many books about the F-16, and learned that pilots tended to overcontrol the jet until McDonnell-Douglas put a bit of movement into the control stick.
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x55 pushed back til may, FYI
my local frys supposedly has an x65….might have to go try it in the flesh, though i dont know how i would ACTUALLY test it, more like a fit and finsh check maybe. -
There’s a lone X65 sitting on the shelf at Phoenix Fry’s if anyone is in that area……just saying.
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youd figure they would lower the price by this point.
